Italy did not have to wait long for their first Six Nations victory this year, earning a solid home win over Wales last time out. But tougher opposition is on the horizon as France travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
France will be looking to send a message after a series of mistakes culminated in a last-gasp defeat to England in their Round 2 clash -- a performance defensive coach Shaun Edwards described as "the oopsies."
Will France turn their form around, or will Italy continue their resurgence under head coach Gonzalo Quesada?
Here is everything you need to know about Sunday's clash.
Key details:
When: Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. UK
Where: Stadio Olympico, Rome
How to watch: You can wach live on the ITV (UK). You can also follow along with live updates on ESPN.
Officials: Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Chris Busby (Ire) & Craig Evans (Wal)
Television Match Official: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)
Lineups:
Italy: To be announced
Replacements:
France: To be announced
Replacements:
Team news:
Italy: Second-row Dino Lamb and Monty Ioane are due to miss the game with knee injuries.
The news provides opportunity for 20-year-old Mirko Belloni, who has been added to the squad. Meanwhile, prop Mirco Spagnolo returns after serving a five-week suspension.
France: Reports in France have said fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and winger Damian Penaud will be dropped for the clash.
Jalibert replaced the suspended Romain Ntamack against England, while Damian Penaud played his first minutes of the Six Nations after missing the Wales game with a toe injury. However, French newspaper L'Equipe reports that neither is expected to start.
Théo Attissogbe is reportedly in line to replace Penaud on the wing, while Thomas Ramos will move into the No. 10 spot and Léo Barré has been added at fullback.
Information from Reuters contributed to the team news of this report.
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